Water treatment – KWRhttps://www.kwrwater.nl/en/
Bridging science to practice in the watercycleThu, 21 Mar 2019 14:59:53 +0000en-UShourly1Use of natural viruses to monitor membrane integrityhttps://www.kwrwater.nl/en/actueel/use-of-natural-viruses-to-monitor-membrane-integrity/
https://www.kwrwater.nl/en/actueel/use-of-natural-viruses-to-monitor-membrane-integrity/#respondTue, 12 Mar 2019 10:57:02 +0000https://www.kwrwater.nl/?p=13296KWR has been granted a patent for a new, very sensitive method to determine how effectively a physical water treatment installation removes viruses. This DNA-based method makes use of viruses that occur naturally in (surface) water, which makes...

KWR has been granted a patent for a new, very sensitive method to determine how effectively a physical water treatment installation removes viruses. This DNA-based method makes use of viruses that occur naturally in (surface) water, which makes it suitable for use in membrane installations for drinking water production. KWR is now focused on further developing the method, with the aim of achieving a robust technique that can be (continuously) used in daily operations and in treatment applications for other water sources, such as seawater, groundwater and wastewater. Thanks to the great sensitivity of the new method, the use of membrane filtration as a standalone technique in drinking water production has been brought a step closer to realisation, but so too has the use of membrane filtration for the safe reuse of wastewater.

In the use of membrane filtration in water treatment, it is important to demonstrate that the membrane installation actually removes viruses. Until recently, this was only possible on a bench or pilot scale, by adding surrogate viruses into the feed water and then measuring how many of them got through the system. The addition of viruses is naturally not desirable in a full-scale membrane installation used for the production of drinking water. Furthermore, the methods typically employed were not sensitive enough to properly demonstrate a major portion of the removal.

Natural viruses

Exploratory work under the Joint Research Programme with the water utilities has shown that it is possible to determine the removal rate of viruses by measuring the amount of DNA of specific, naturally-occurring, viruses in the feed water of an installation and then in the treated water. The high sensitivity of this new method makes it possible to show that the number of viruses in the treated water is, for example, 10 to 100 million times smaller than in the feed water. The methods currently in use can only demonstrate a drop in the virus numbers of up to a maximum of 10,000 times.

Patent

KWR has recently been granted a European patent for this new detection method, which is suitable to show the rate of virus removal for all physical water treatment methods. The further development of this method for its use in daily operations will enable an improved monitoring of the integrity of the membranes and the installation, and thereby permit a more effective application of membrane filtration. In theory, membrane filtration is capable of completely removing viruses, as long as the membranes and the installation are entirely intact. This is why sensitive monitoring methods are needed to show that the membrane installation is operating well and that no (mini) leakages exist. Since we do not yet have such methods, in the Netherlands membrane filtration is currently only used in drinking water treatment in combination with other treatment techniques.

Determining and safeguarding robustness

‘With this new measurement method,’ says Walter van der Meer, director of the Oasen water utility, ‘we can easily determine how robustly a treatment process removes viruses and bacteria, without having to add bacteriophages, which is a pretty complex method that moreover involves adding a foreign component into your production. For Oasen the new method of measuring naturally-occurring viruses is very practical and pertinent. It will allow us to precisely determine and safeguard the robustness of the One-Step-Reverse-Osmosis concept that Oasen has developed.’

Wastewater and reuse

The application of the new method in practice can also make a huge contribution to the responsible reuse of water within the circular economy. Moreover, KWR aims, together with relevant partners, to extend the method’s application possibilities by adapting it for use with other sources, such as seawater, groundwater and wastewater.

]]>https://www.kwrwater.nl/en/actueel/use-of-natural-viruses-to-monitor-membrane-integrity/feed/0https://www.kwrwater.nl/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Evides-Huntsman-021_A5.jpgA global perspective on local water, waste and climate challengeshttps://www.kwrwater.nl/en/actueel/a-global-perspective-on-local-water-waste-and-climate-challenges/
https://www.kwrwater.nl/en/actueel/a-global-perspective-on-local-water-waste-and-climate-challenges/#respondFri, 08 Feb 2019 12:51:41 +0000https://www.kwrwater.nl/?p=12891This week I had the honour to provide a global perspective on the local challenges of water, waste and climate change in Bath. Together with my colleague Stef Koop and many students of Utrecht University, more than 70...

This week I had the honour to provide a global perspective on the local challenges of water, waste and climate change in Bath. Together with my colleague Stef Koop and many students of Utrecht University, more than 70 cities have been assessed across the globe, including Bath.

From 1 September 2017 until 1 September 2018 I was connected to the University of Bath as David Parkin Visiting Professor and as Global Chair. The Global Chair scheme, funded by the International Relations Office, is a flagship programme designed to attract distinguished, globally renowned scholars to engage in high-profile research activities. During this period my research objectives included the City Blueprint analysis of the city of Bath, participation in the Summer School, developing research proposals and bringing about further international collaboration with KWR, UNESCO and the University of Utrecht.

Cities globally are progressively becoming hotspots for risk and disaster mainly as a result of rapid urbanisation, population growth and the impacts of climate change. Any medical treatment starts after a proper diagnosis. When it comes to water management in cities, this is often not the case. For this reason, water management performance needs to be measured, as well as water governance capacity. The City Blueprint analysis consists of three frameworks: the Trends and Pressures Framework (TPF) researches the global urban challenges regarding social, environmental and financial pressures, the City Blueprint Framework (CBF) analyses the urban water management, and the Governance Capacity Framework (GCF) examines the water governance capacity of cities. Best results are obtained if co-benefits are explored with other sectoral challenges in cities.

Like many cities in Europe Bath produces a lot of solid waste. Points of attention for Bath are improved sewage treatment, infrastructure maintenance, increasing green space in the city, to better cope with urban floods. The David Parkin lecture was very well attended and received. The lecture and discussions confirmed that water is a top priority global challenge. Furthermore, we discussed follow-up activities, like further collaboration on water technology, water management, water governance and energy (hydrogen), and perhaps also plastic waste and water-related research in African cities.

]]>https://www.kwrwater.nl/en/actueel/a-global-perspective-on-local-water-waste-and-climate-challenges/feed/0https://www.kwrwater.nl/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Global-Chair-7.jpgReusing activated carbon for the removal of organic micropollutantshttps://www.kwrwater.nl/en/projecten/reusing-activated-carbon-for-the-removal-of-organic-micropollutants/
Tue, 29 Jan 2019 09:23:50 +0000https://www.kwrwater.nl/projecten/hergebruik-actief-kool-voor-verwijdering-van-organische-microverontreinigingen/The removal of organic micropollutants (OMPs) from (waste) water is becoming more and more important. Pharmaceutical residues are increasingly being removed from domestic wastewater, be it in the wastewater treatment plant or elsewhere. Greenhouse horticulture companies are also...

The removal of organic micropollutants (OMPs) from (waste) water is becoming more and more important. Pharmaceutical residues are increasingly being removed from domestic wastewater, be it in the wastewater treatment plant or elsewhere. Greenhouse horticulture companies are also obligated to substantially remove used plant protection products from their wastewater.

Technology

A variety of technologies can be applied to remove OMPs from water, and fresh (unused) activated carbon has been shown to be a suitable option. However, such fresh activated carbon made from coal is not a sustainable source. This project is therefore researching whether activated carbon that has already been used in drinking water production might be suitable for the removal of micropollutants from municipal and horticultural wastewater.

Challenge

The raw material is being analysed for its composition, variability and availability. Laboratory tests will analyse the adsorption capacity of the carbon already used in Dunea’s drinking water production. The possible means of the carbon’s application in the treatment of wastewater will also be examined. Moreover, an LCA study will done to determine the environmental impact of reused (Dunea) carbon compared to fresh carbon (from coal). A technical and logistical feasibility analysis and an economic assessment are also part of the project.

Solution

This project will produce insight into whether reused carbon from drinking water production processes is suitable for the removal of OMPs from wastewater.

Specifically, it will provide:

Insight into the available adsorptive capacity of Dunea’s reused pulverised carbon for OMPs in wastewater.

A comparison of the adsorption capacity, application means and environmental impact of reused carbon and fresh carbon.

Information on the reused carbon’s suitability (based on Dunea’s carbon) for the removal of (residues of) pharmaceuticals and plant protection products.

]]>CoRe Water project launched with pilot plant at Wehl WWTPhttps://www.kwrwater.nl/en/actueel/core-water-project-van-start-met-pilotplant-op-rwzi-wehl/
https://www.kwrwater.nl/en/actueel/core-water-project-van-start-met-pilotplant-op-rwzi-wehl/#respondThu, 13 Dec 2018 11:46:28 +0000https://www.kwrwater.nl/actueel/core-water-project-van-start-met-pilotplant-op-rwzi-wehl/TKI Water Technology’s CoRe Water project has begun with the installation of a first pilot at the Rijn and IJssel Water Authority’s Wehl wastewater treatment plant. CoRe Water is a collaboration project of the Rijn and Ijssel and...

TKI Water Technology’s CoRe Water project has begun with the installation of a first pilot at the Rijn and IJssel Water Authority’s Wehl wastewater treatment plant. CoRe Water is a collaboration project of the Rijn and Ijssel and Vallei and Veluwe water authorities, the Limburg Water Authority Company, Royal Haskoning DHV, BLUE-tec, KWR and Allied Waters, and represents a new, ‘reverse’ approach to wastewater treatment.

New generation of wastewater treatment

The CoRe Water concept heralds the transition to an entirely new generation of wastewater treatment. CoRe stands for ‘Concentrate, Recover and Reuse’. Forward osmosis (FO) is at the centre of the new process – in fact we have built the treatment process around this technology. We first produce clean water that approaches demiwater quality by using a strong saline (draw) solution to extract water from the wastewater. The waste products remain behind in a concentrated stream, the volume of which is 20-30 times smaller, from which raw materials can be extracted and energy produced very effectively and efficiently.

Research focussed on scaling-up

The CoRe research partners are working on three subprojects, supported by pilot and laboratory research. This involves studying the extraction of water, energy and resources at different scales. First and foremost, the FO technology itself is the target of research, alongside anaerobic treatment, nutrient extraction and micropollutant removal from the concentrate. The first pilot installation at the Rijn and IJssel Water Authority’s Wehl site has a capacity of 0.2 m3/hour and will be used, among other things, to explore how the technique can best be scaled up. The research at this site also focuses on the extraction of nitrogen. In 2019, this pilot will be transferred to the Vallei and Veluwe Water Authority to be used in an urban context where the emphasis is on water reuse. Later in 2019 another new pilot installation, which has yet to be built, will be tested at the Limburg Water Authority Company at a scaled-up capacity of 2 m3/hour.

]]>https://www.kwrwater.nl/en/actueel/core-water-project-van-start-met-pilotplant-op-rwzi-wehl/feed/0https://www.kwrwater.nl/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/CoRe_Water_pilot_installatie_locatie_Wehl_3_vooraanzicht.jpgAdsorptive and biological removal of plant protection products from jointly collected discharge water in greenhouse horticulturehttps://www.kwrwater.nl/en/projecten/adsorptive-and-biological-removal-of-plant-protection-products-from-jointly-collected-discharge-water-in-greenhouse-horticulture/
Tue, 05 Jun 2018 10:09:40 +0000https://www.kwrwater.nl/projecten/adsorptieve-en-biologische-verwijdering-van-gewasbeschermingsmiddelen-uit-collectief-ingezameld-lozingswater-van-de-glastuinbouw/The ‘Adsorptive and biological removal of plant protection products from jointly collected discharge water in greenhouse horticulture’ project was recently launched. The project involves the development of a treatment strategy, based on adsorptive and biological principles, for the...

The ‘Adsorptive and biological removal of plant protection products from jointly collected discharge water in greenhouse horticulture’ project was recently launched. The project involves the development of a treatment strategy, based on adsorptive and biological principles, for the removal of plant protection products (PPPs) from water that is jointly collected in the greenhouse horticultural sector.

Removing PPPs from discharge water

Horticultural entrepreneurs will be investing heavily in the period ahead to meet their obligation to remove at least 95% of the PPPs from their discharge water. Collectives, in particular, are seeking sustainable, robust solutions that involve minimum maintenance and low operational costs.

The drinking water sector has for decades successfully applied adsorption to remove micropollutants, including PPPs, from pre-treated surface water, so as to supply drinking water of impeccable quality to clients. Biological treatment has long been used in the treatment of wastewater. Can this knowledge also be applied to the water discharged in greenhouse horticulture?

Are water technology processes applicable in horticulture?

This project will research a treatment concept for the removal of PPPs that is new to greenhouse horticulture and which is based on two processes: biological treatment and adsorption. The project aims to produce new knowledge about adsorption and degradation pathways for PPPs under different practice scenarios. It should clarify which bacteria/consortia are involved, and what their ideal growth conditions are. The research will also study the biological stability of this community over the long-term and how it responds to environmental fluctuations.

The project’s researchers will focus on the applicability in horticulture of physical/chemical and biological processes from water technology.

Promoting sustainability of the sectors

Besides its direct economic and safety benefits, the project will give the sectors a greener image and promote their sustainability in general.

]]>KWR to advise the State of Michigan in Flint research disputehttps://www.kwrwater.nl/en/projecten/kwr-to-advise-the-state-michigan-flint-research-dispute/
Wed, 28 Feb 2018 11:20:45 +0000https://www.kwrwater.nl/?post_type=project&p=10174In October 2017 KWR conducted a scoping mission for the State of Michigan in the US to get a clear idea of the status of the multidisciplinary project, ‘Enhanced Disease Surveillance and Environmental Monitoring in Flint, Michigan’, which...

In October 2017 KWR conducted a scoping mission for the State of Michigan in the US to get a clear idea of the status of the multidisciplinary project, ‘Enhanced Disease Surveillance and Environmental Monitoring in Flint, Michigan’, which was being executed by the Flint Area Community Health and Environment Partnership (FACHEP). KWR was also asked to determine whether it could become an independent oversight party for the research project.

In 2014 and 2015 two outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease occurred in the City of Flint, Michigan, which coincided with a change in the city’s source for drinking water production and treatment. The FACHEP research team, made up of university researchers and other experts, was commissioned to study the possible connection between the disease outbreaks and the water source switch.

External oversight role for KWR

The State of Michigan, through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), called on KWR because of a growing dispute between themselves and the FACHEP team. Specifically, KWR was asked to examine the project’s overall structure and management, research approaches and methodologies, preliminary results, the issues of dispute between MDHHS and FACHEP, and to present proposals about a possible KWR oversight role on the part of MDHHS.

Legionnaires’ disease connected to water source change?

The results of KWR’s scoping mission are laid down in the report, ‘Assessment of the study on Enhanced Disease Surveillance and Environmental Monitoring in Flint, Michigan’. Its main conclusion is that, despite all the good intentions underlying the establishment of FACHEP, the major problem is that there is no trust between the client and the contractor, and that the circumstances around the project (legal issues, constant attention from public and media) stand in the way of developing a climate where sound, unbiased and responsible research is promoted. The result is a project where the roles of research, communications, project management and project oversight are completely unclear, and where there are different views, both based on scientific data, with regard to the relationship between the outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease and the change in the Flint water source.

The report also recommended that the possibilities of overcoming the trust problem be further explored, and that an agreement be reached to establish an independent review of both the scientific research and the public health communications. Lastly, besides the independent review, KWR said that it would be prepared and willing to conduct the project oversight on behalf of MDHHS, on the condition that the above-mentioned issues be addressed in the negotiations for the contract’s extension.

Follow-up: KWR’s second mission to Flint

On the basis of KWR’s analysis, the State of Michigan offered to extend the contract with FACHEP and assign an extra budget for it, on the condition that KWR conduct the oversight. FACHEP turned down the State’s offer, however, and shortly thereafter published two articles and issued a press release. In response, MDHHS issued its own press release, in which it criticised one of the articles and added perspective to the other article. MDHHS also makes reference to KWR’s scoping report which it has made available to the public.

KWR is currently working on the first phase of the State’s commission. This includes an investigation into the causes of the Legionella outbreak that occurred in Genesee County.

]]>https://www.kwrwater.nl/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/flint-water-crisis-2.jpgWQTC 2017 buzzing with potable water reusehttps://www.kwrwater.nl/en/actueel/wqtc-2017-buzzing-with-potable-water-reuse/
https://www.kwrwater.nl/en/actueel/wqtc-2017-buzzing-with-potable-water-reuse/#respondMon, 20 Nov 2017 11:26:02 +0000https://www.kwrwater.nl/?p=9364Potable water reuse was the central theme during this conference, recognizing the existing ‘de facto’ reuse of wastewater discharged on rivers and lakes, and intentional indirect and direct water reuse schemes. The microbial view on water Eleven years...

Potable water reuse was the central theme during this conference, recognizing the existing ‘de facto’ reuse of wastewater discharged on rivers and lakes, and intentional indirect and direct water reuse schemes.

The microbial view on water

Eleven years after my first WQTC, the American water industry seems to have made major steps forward in water safety and sustainability. Potable water reuse was the central theme during this conference, recognizing the existing ‘de facto’ reuse of wastewater discharged on rivers and lakes, and intentional indirect and direct water reuse schemes. New approaches and technologies are applied to achieve this, addressing water quality monitoring, treatment and the effect of processes in the distribution systems. Automated microbial analyzers provide a virtually real-time view of the level of contamination in the source water and even treated water and is used for both research and operation. Quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) forms the basis to design the required treatment from the largest communal facilities down to local decentralized remote water reuse. This solves both the issued of water shortages and wastewater disposal. Especially in reuse attention is paid to preventing microbial growth in the distribution system to avoid risks from opportunistic pathogens such as legionella.

From sterile to living water

Although chlorination is still the principal approach to keeping drinking water safe, the water in the distribution system is now increasingly recognized as a living microbial environment. This community is constantly evolving and adapting to local conditions. Genomics are shedding new light on these bugs, and putting chemical stress on them may lead to selection of more resistant types, creating bigger problems for water safety. Many discussions were held over this survival of the fittest, including the adaptation of us as humans to these new stresses. It seems we are moving into a new era where we (again) work with nature rather than against it to achieve safe water. Nature was abundant at the excursion in the Bull Run watershed. Natural processes and protection are the key to achieve safe, wholesome drinking water for Portland from this unfiltered water supply. Although filtration will be implemented to deal with the current concern around protozoa in the water source, the impact of treatment can be kept minimal as the starting point is actually drinking water.

I wonder if in another ten years this concept of protection and natural processes will extend to abandoning chlorine in the distribution system. I got many questions about the Dutch Secret of chlorine-free distribution, so who knows?

]]>https://www.kwrwater.nl/en/actueel/wqtc-2017-buzzing-with-potable-water-reuse/feed/0https://www.kwrwater.nl/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Bull-Run-watershed-1.jpgRemineralisation of RO permeatehttps://www.kwrwater.nl/en/projecten/remineralisation-ro-permeate/
Thu, 20 Apr 2017 11:48:45 +0000https://www.kwrwater.nl/?post_type=project&p=7992/Oasen is working on the full-stream treatment of, among others, river-bank filtrate using RO, which entails the complete removal of practically all substances, including minerals, from the water. A crucial aspect of this development is the conditioning of...

Oasen is working on the full-stream treatment of, among others, river-bank filtrate using RO, which entails the complete removal of practically all substances, including minerals, from the water. A crucial aspect of this development is the conditioning of the RO permeate through the addition of appropriate minerals, i.e., the remineralisation. This step is necessary to ensure that the water that reaches the customer has no problems, that is, that it has an optimal composition and minimal interaction with the pipes. The remineralisation in effect determines the ultimate quality of the drinking water. The technique can be applied to water from various other sources besides river-bank filtrate, for instance, groundwater, surface water and seepage water, following their RO treatment.

Technology

First, we identify the most suitable process and equipment options for the remineralisation of RO permeate at Oasen. We then study the best option on a pilot scale, and research the use of a soft sensor to control the water quality. A soft sensor is an innovative solution, which combines existing knowledge and the use of data fusion to close knowledge gaps.

Second, we determine the most suitable innovative remineralisation (partial softening – RO – remineralisation) of RO permeate at Oasen. We then develop and test, on lab and pilot scales, the most promising innovative combination of partial softening – RO – remineralisation.

Third, we conduct research to gain insight into the chances of innovative remineralisation and into those elements that, internationally, play a role in the remineralisation of drinking water following desalination, particularly in cool-climate countries.

Initial results

Oasen has connected a calcite filter to the RO step on a pilot scale, as the most suitable option for remineralisation in the short term. The initial tests with the calcite filter were used to optimise the filter’s operation and to test the practicality of a model for the soft sensor. A survey showed that the calcite filtration process is set up in such a way that the development of a soft sensor for RO permeate remineralisation, on the basis of conductivity measurements, does not outweigh the associated (development and implementation) costs. The period ahead will be used to further improve the model to increase understanding and improve the design of the calcite filtration process.

The most suitable innovative option for the application of remineralisation in the medium term is to soften the water by applying ion exchange before the RO. Various laboratory experiments were conducted and the best ion-exchange resin was selected so as to remove the right minerals from the groundwater. Using an innovative regeneration method, these minerals can potentially be discharged separately from the ion exchange resin and be used for the remineralisation of the RO permeate.

Challenge

To achieve the goals for the implementation of remineralisation in the short term, we have opted for calcite filtration together with magnesium dosing to remineralise the RO permeate. This process is being studied on a pilot-installation scale at Kamerik; we will also be analysing and modelling water quality with a view to developing a soft sensor.

The innovative option selected for the application of remineralisation involves softening the water through ion exchange before the RO. The possibility is being studied of subsequently using the ion exchange regenerant to remineralise the RO permeate. Elements of this concept – such as resin selection, exchange cations and anions, and an innovative regeneration process – are being researched on a lab scale. The concept is being studied on a pilot-installation scale, with a focus on the separate discharge of minerals during an innovative regeneration.

Solution

Assess costs and select options on the basis of: (1) partial softening before the RO, (2) RO with enhanced yield, (3) reuse of softening salts generated in (1). As a result, option (3) was selected for

Conduct pilot tests for innovative remineralisation after the partial softening with cation IEX, with a focus on innovative regeneration.

Conduct pilot and supplementary research on a model and the application of a soft sensor for calcite filtration.

Estimate the technical/economic applicability of the variants in item (3) at Oasen and on the international market.

]]>https://www.kwrwater.nl/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/schep.jpgPreventing and controlling emissions in greenhouse cultivationhttps://www.kwrwater.nl/en/projecten/preventing-and-controlling-emissions-greenhouse-cultivation/
Mon, 27 Mar 2017 09:31:12 +0000https://www.kwrwater.nl/?post_type=project&p=7649/Starting in 2018, greenhouse horticulturalists will be required to treat their discharge water containing plant protection products (PPPs) (for collectives the requirement has to be met by 2021). The greenhouse horticultural sector has also agreed with the government...

Starting in 2018, greenhouse horticulturalists will be required to treat their discharge water containing plant protection products (PPPs) (for collectives the requirement has to be met by 2021). The greenhouse horticultural sector has also agreed with the government to work towards a (practically) zero emission level of nutrients and PPPs in 2027. Both are needed in order to drastically improve water quality in horticultural areas. Horticultural companies are making an effort to maintain their societal support and licenses to operate, but they come up against a variety of knowledge questions. These relate to (1) the effectiveness of treatment of irregular drain-water streams, and (2) bottlenecks created by the accumulation of sodium and other undesirable substances caused by the long-term recirculation of feed liquids.

The project’s objectives are therefore:

The development of concepts for the optimal management of water streams, and robust treatment and feedback procedures to strengthen the reliability of PPP treatment technologies in collectives and horticultural companies that have irregular water composition.

The development of forward osmosis for horticulture to increase the treatment efficiency (by reducing the size of drain-water and other water streams), and to make supplementary sources of irrigation water available by applying a sustainable desalination technique.

The development of new knowledge about the sodium uptake and sensitivity of greenhouse cultivation, and of innovative cultivation strategies to influence these factors.

The development of insight into the impact of the use of disinfectants on water quality in recirculation cultivation.

KWR is involved primarily in the first two subjects.

Water stream management and processing

Many horticulturalists do have a clear understanding of their direct (drain) wastewater stream, but their knowledge is incomplete when it comes to the quantity and quality of a number of other streams, such as (CHP) condensate, machine wash water, water mixed with domestic wastewater, etc. The impact of these streams on the treatment technology will be determined with a view to the maximum containment of emissions into surface water.

Forward osmosis for greenhouse horticulture

The research will study whether forward osmosis is a suitable technology to reduce the volumes of drain-water and the water streams to be treated, for both collectives and individual companies. It will also study whether forward osmosis is a cost-effective desalination technology, which can improve the quality of alternative irrigation water sources (e.g., groundwater and surface water), so that the sodium accumulation, and thus crop damage, can be prevented in emission-free cultivation.

Preventing and controlling emissions in greenhouse cultivation

The project will produce different strategies in which the emissions of both PPPs as well as nutrients can be prevented or controlled. They will allow the greenhouse horticultural sector to take a further step towards achieving emission-free cultivation, and to make better use of water sources and plant feed.

]]>Rossella Messina finalist in Dopper Changemaker Challengehttps://www.kwrwater.nl/en/actueel/rossella-messina-finalist-dopper-changemaker-challenge/
https://www.kwrwater.nl/en/actueel/rossella-messina-finalist-dopper-changemaker-challenge/#respondThu, 16 Mar 2017 13:49:35 +0000https://www.kwrwater.nl/?p=7333/Rossella Messina, master thesis intern at KWR, has reached the final round of the Dopper Changemaker Challenge. With her research project on micro plastics in surface water she wants to find out if plastic particles are actually removed...

Rossella Messina, master thesis intern at KWR, has reached the final round of the Dopper Changemaker Challenge. With her research project on micro plastics in surface water she wants to find out if plastic particles are actually removed during drinking water treatment or if we are drinking them. During the final on March 22 she will have the chance to become one of three “changemakers” and win 3000€ for her further research.

Rossella Messina in the KWR sensoring lab

Are we drinking plastic? With the prospect of answering this questions, Rossella Messina has been able to convince during the semi-final of the Dopper Changemaker Challenge. The 25-year old Italian is studying Water Science and Management at Utrecht University and is doing her master thesis internship at KWR. With her research project about the removal of micro plastics in surface water, she has now made it to the final round of the competition.

The Changemaker Challenge is an initiative of the Dopper Foundation, an organization founded by the water bottle company Dopper to promote plastic recycling and clean drinking water. The aim of the challenge is to support dedicated master students with thesis projects related to clean water or plastic waste. For Rossella this was the perfect fit. She applied and was invited to the semi-final on February 9 where twenty students from different study backgrounds and with diverse research topics presented their projects.

Apart from some general criteria for selecting the finalists, the jury was mainly looking for the passion and motivation behind it and the impact that the project can have. Rossella’s research could be ground breaking: ”It feels like I am discovering something since no one has ever done it before!” First results show that the treatment is working, which means it’s efficient for plastic removal.

With the AFFFF (asymmetric flow field flow fractionation) Rossella measures the amount of plastic in the water

In her experiments, Rossella simulates the drinking water treatment process. She adds plastic particles to the water, performs the treatment and then measures in the end if there is still plastic in the water. Due to the time limitation of her master thesis, however, she has to focus on certain techniques and aspects of the plastic behaviour. For Rossella, this is also an upside of her topic “It’s nice to start a work that can be continued by other people later.” Her thesis project could therefore be an initial step for other students to take up parts of the research.

Engaging people

Rossella was selected as one of ten students who are going to meet again on March 22. After giving another short presentation, she will find out if she is one of three “changemakers” awarded with 3000€ for their further research. Rossella is optimistic: “I do think I have good chances to win”. She would like to communicate the research more broadly, to also engage people outside of KWR to this important topic of surface water pollution. The extra money would make this possible, for example by filming a professional video about the project and its results.